APC Primaries: 54 National Assembly Members Lose Return Tickets

Abuja, Nigeria - 24 May, 2026

At least 54 serving members of the National Assembly have lost their bids to secure the All Progressives Congress (APC) tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections following the party’s recently concluded primaries.

The outcome of the primaries affected lawmakers in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, including several ranking members and influential figures within the ruling party.

Among those reportedly denied return tickets are former Gombe State governor and senator, Danjuma Goje; Senator Ned Nwoko; Senator Jibrin Isah (Echocho); House Majority Leader, Julius Ihonvbere; Miriam Onuoha; Chike Okafor; Bashiru Dawodu; Kafilat Ogbara; and Donatus Mathew, among others.

The primaries, conducted across different states, were characterized by stiff competition, internal party disagreements, consensus arrangements, and protests by aggrieved aspirants and supporters.

Political observers say the development reflects growing political realignments within the APC as the party prepares for the 2027 elections. Some lawmakers were reportedly edged out by emerging political figures, while others lost amid internal party power struggles and controversies surrounding the implementation of the Electoral Act.

Despite the wave of defeats, some top APC lawmakers successfully secured return tickets. They include Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and former Senate President Ahmad Lawan.

The outcome of the APC primaries is expected to reshape the political landscape ahead of the general elections, with analysts predicting possible defections, legal battles, and renewed alliances in the coming months.

Sunday